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Canada-wide recall issued for oysters harvested from B.C. coastal waters

ABOVE: Dr. Reka Gustafson, a medical health officer with Vancouver Coastal Health, speaks with Geoff Hastings about the health risks associated with the oyster recall.

A Canada-wide recall has been issued by Health Canada for all oysters harvested from B.C. coastal waters on, or before, Aug. 18. These oysters were intended for raw consumption.

They have been recalled due to possible Vibrio parahaemolyticus contamination. Vibrio is a naturally-occurring bacterium that can be present at high levels in coastal waters during periods of increased water temperatures. Most people come in contact with Vibrio by eating raw or undercooked shellfish, especially oysters. There have been cases of people getting sick from eating raw oysters.

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Health Canada says consumers should not eat any of these oysters and retailers and food service establishments should not sell or use the recalled product.

Consumers who are unsure if they have affected oysters should check with their place of purchase.

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Health Canada recommends anyone who has these oysters should throw them out or return them to the place of purchase.

Illnesses can be avoided if shellfish are cooked before being eaten. People with weakened immune systems, young children, pregnant women and older adults are at increased risk for developing complications if they get sick.This recall was triggered by an investigation into a foodborne illness outbreak by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

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